Sopron Basket or Fenerbahce - who you got?
SOPRON (EuroLeague Women) – With the last remaining ticket for the EuroLeague Women Final Four up for grabs, the decider between Sopron Basket and Fenerbahce promises plenty.
SOPRON (EuroLeague Women) – With the last remaining ticket for the EuroLeague Women Final Four up for grabs, the decider between Sopron Basket and Fenerbahce promises plenty.
But who do you think will join UMMC Ekaterinburg, Yakin Dogu Universitesi and Dynamo Kursk in this season's finale? Here are some of the factors that might help you decide.
History points towards Fenerbahce
If you believe that history plays a part in these things, then look no further than Fenerbahce who are bidding to secure a superb seventh straight slot at a Final Four. They have never won the title [yet] but have been one of the most consistent powerhouse clubs in the competition by so often making it to the season climax. Last year they upset UMMC on the Russian club's home floor to make the title game again. In contrast, Sopron were last at the Final Four back in 2009 when they were the surprise package and had a roster that included Jelena Milovanovic.
The young guns of Sopron are showing no fear
One of the features of Sopron's victory in Istanbul last week was that their young guns in Angela Salvadores and Aleksandra Crvendakic made some huge shots and showed no fear. They will be determined to make their first ever Final Four and could it be that youth wins the day? Crvendakic was 7-of-8 in the tight home loss in game one and will be hoping this time, her contribution is for the winning side.
Dabovic won't want to miss out after so long away
EuroLeague Women fans had to wait six years to see Ana Dabovic back in the competition and the former FIBA Women's EuroBasket MVP has been relatively quiet of late for Fenerbahce. A game-winner in waiting whenever she takes to the floor, is the stage set for the explosive Dabovic to have one of those nights when she erupts and gets hot? You can bet she will be near the top of the Sopron scouting list and that the ex-WNBA and Women's EuroBasket champion won’t want to miss out on taking her skills to a platform like the Final Four after being away for so long!
Roberto Iniguez is the master navigator
Few coaches have had more success at taking teams to a Final Four than Sopron head coach, Roberto Iniguez. He is widely viewed as the master navigator of this competition, having led Ros Casares to a 2012 title win, Fenerbahce to a couple of Finals and also Nadezhda to the title game too – making history in the process for the Russian side. Now another surprise potentially awaits and it is difficult to back against Iniguez adding to his already impressive track record.
FIBA